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Where are Kevin and Ruth right now?San Ramon Hotel and RV Park, San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato, Mexico.

Where are they going next? Zinapecuaro, Michoacan, Mexico.

Saturday, July 6, 2013

What do you think about ads?

We've received at least four offers for advertising here in the last couple of weeks. Five maybe.

Our popularity is growing and the internet shares this popularity with whoever wants to know via websites such as Alexa.com. So as we become more popular, advertisers start to notice.

But we are tempted to remain ad-free. We write this blog and share travel information for you, and we don't want to lose readers because the website has become cluttered with ads, even if the income makes it worthwhile.

We have occasionally done sponsored blog posts, and they don't seem to bother anybody, but maybe you'd rather not have them either. However, we like doing these giveaways because we like giving back to you the readers...many of you have given to us in more ways than one! So, some of the income that we receive from these sponsored posts goes towards these giveaways. Like that $100 we gave away last month...it came from blog revenue so it's not really like it was coming out of our pockets or anything.

By the same token, some of these advertisers think that $25 or so is okay, and obviously we turn them down right away. Sorry, it's just not worth the effort for that kind of money.

But then money does talk and the more money, the more likely we are to accept an offer even if the ad is somewhat intrusive.

So we want your opinion. Please use the poll provided and leave any comments below the way you normally would. Thanks for your feedback!

37 comments:

I have an ad filter so I never see ads. Tioga George had them but discovered that he had no control over the content. They were placing John McCain ads (whom he did not support) on his site during the election five years ago and the only way he could stop them was to cancel out of the program.

I rarely even notice ads unless their flashing or doing something obnoxious so whatever you do is fine with me. You give us so much, I don't have a problem with you earning something in return. Grace (in Tucson)

I too use an Ad Blocker and never see them. I got tired of seeing all the ads on George's blog and others so started using the blocker nearly two years ago. Do what is best for you and if someone doesn't like Ads they can download a blocker/filter.

If the ad income allows you to continue travelling and they are not obnoxious then go for it. I started reading your blog this winter and have finally caught up, would it be corny to say it changed my life?? Maybe, but I have moved up my retirement date by several years and can't wait to sell all my stuff and hit the road!! Thanks. Leah

Thank you so much for your comment and input Leah. We are happy to hear that we have had some bearing on your decision to move up your retirement date. Please keep us posted with updates on your goal to hitting the road.

You need a way to help fund all this blogging! Advertising only makes sense. I would stick with travel advertising. I do have to say I tend to hate sponsored posts though. Just regular ads would be great but whatever you decide to do, I will still read!!

Originally we started the blog to let family and friends know what we were up to and where we were. At that time we were using My Trip Journal. It was 2 1/2 years later that we decided to switch over to blogger for our blogging needs and then added Adsense for some added income. We will be the ones making the decision as to what ad a company can display on our site and we will not let it become overwhelming or obtrusive.

I have been getting requests lately ( 3 -5 ) to put ads on my blog. I have just deleted them. I am not in this for money but to share my life and travels with those who chose to read about it.

You are in the midst of a blog change what with adding world travel. I can see adding travel ads related to your lifestyle. There are many places out there that offer accommodation and more for a well written article and goods photos. If you could start promoting these magazine articles you will see even more change in your future. You are flexible which is key and have tons of energy. Start sending your blog link to hundreds of travel editors in magazines, newspapers and online.

I totally support anyone earning money for their labors. You put a tremendous amount of time and effort and care into your online offerings; you should be compensated - and the more the better. Seeing ads will reassure me that you are successful in your endeavors. That will make me feel good for you, as I am grateful for the ideas and inspiration I receive from what you do. I can't imagine why anyone would begrudge you being paid for the service you are providing, and which we as readers are benefiting from without cost - especially if the only justification for that position is that it bothers them. Best of luck with it if you decide to go that route...

Thank you very much Pete for your thoughts and opinions on this. We will have some sponsored posts at times and possibly an ad or two on the side bar but they certain won't be obtrusive to our readers. As for any sponsored post if people don't like it then they can just exit out of the post, no need to read it and for any ads that might appear will be related in some way to our blog and will have been approved by us.

I say ads are fine,you work hard on your blog and deserve the perks, but certain ads that move or vibrate or expand or insert sound i find offensive and i will close the page. All the best and keep on blogging.Barry and Jeannie

A bit of a cold front going through this area for the next day or two. Overcast almost all day, and a high of about 17C (64F). But that didn...

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